Avaliação da casca de amendoim na produção de painéis de madeira

Abstract

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are a plant from the Fabaceae family (legumes), whose production in Brazil has shown significant growth in recent years. With the increase in grain production, there has also been an increase in the generation of plant waste, such as husks, stems, and leaves. When improperly disposed of in the environment, these wastes can cause environmental impacts, but they have potential for reuse in energy generation, animal feed, and as reinforcement in composite materials. In this context, this thesis aimed to evaluate the potential of incorporating peanut husk waste into particleboard panels. The panels were produced with urea-formaldehyde adhesive, through different levels of mass substitution (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) of Pinus oocarpa wood with peanut husk particles. The panels and gypsum composites were evaluated for their physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties, aiming to verify the technical viability of the alternative material. The results indicated that the particleboard panels showed satisfactory performance in contact with water, especially at higher substitution proportions, demonstrating potential for improved dimensional stability. However, it was observed that some mechanical properties were reduced with increasing residue content, indicating the need to optimize processing conditions, such as adhesive ratio, particle size distribution, and pressing parameters. Additionally, microstructural analyses showed good distribution of lignocellulosic particles, although with variations in the matrix-particle interface, a factor that can directly influence the mechanical performance of the panels. Thus, it is concluded that the use of peanut shells as a partial substitute for wood in particleboard panels is technically feasible and environmentally promising, contributing to the valorization of agro-industrial waste. Finally, future studies aimed at improving mechanical properties are recommended, including the use of different types of adhesives, chemical treatments of particles, and adjustments to the production process, in order to expand the application possibilities of these panels in sectors such as the furniture industry and civil construction.